Ten-man Greece held Japan to a goalless draw in a largely forgettable World Cup Group C clash on Thursday that kept both sides in with a chance of making the knockout phase. It was a first point for both teams but neither showed anything to suggest they might have enough quality to progress from a group currently led by Colombia, who have won both their matches.
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Ivory Coast sit second with three points.The Greeks had midfielder and captain Kostas Katsouranis sent off after 38 minutes for a second yellow, leaving his team mates facing a tough second 45 minutes. They defended determinedly though as the Japanese, who moved the ball well enough, lacked any killer punch despite dominating possession. -thenews